An Old Colorado Airport Tower is Now a Lively Entertainment Venue

Stapleton International Airport shutdown in 1995 when the much larger Denver International Airport opened. Rather than tearing down the former 164-foot air traffic control tower, it has remained standing as one of the last reminders of Denver’s first airport.

The air traffic control tower and and three-story building at its base sat vacant until 2017, when it was developed into a restaurant space. The eatery operated until early 2020, but like many other restaurants, faced challenges due to the pandemic.

In August 2022, FlyteCo Brewing secured the space at the bottom of the defunct Stapleton air traffic control tower, bringing new life into the historic structure. Since then, it's further expanded into a multi-functional entertainment venue with a brewery, coffee shop, arcade and beyond.

Today, FlyteCo Tower spans over 25,000 square feet, across three levels. The establishment features three full bars, plus an outdoor patio. Aviation-themed décor adds to the tower's ambiance.

On the first floor, visitors will find the main dining room, a coffee bar and an arcade. There's also two bowling lanes and dart boards, located next to the bar on the bottom level.

The huge outdoor terrace features plenty of umbrella-covered tables, as well as an amphitheater, fun putt-putt course, fire pit and a beer garden.

Another bar, dining room, and outside patio can be found up on the second floor. There are also four more bowling lanes. Additional seating areas, including a space with a fireplace, made to look like an airport lounge are scattered about the second level.

On the third floor, guests will find axe-throwing booths and golf, hockey, and baseball simulators. Ping pong tables line the back corner. A large bar is conveniently in the middle of all the entertainment options. The third story also doubles as an event space. But it's the third floor's outdoor overflight patio that's arguably the best spot to perch up for an afternoon or evening, where multiple tables provide views of the city below. A game of corn hole is available to play outside too.

Finally, visitors have the opportunity to travel to the very top of the air control tower. Tower tours are $12 per person. Guests must be physically capable of climbing 11 stories of stairs in order to participate in the tour. As you can imagine, the views from the top of the tower are simply spectacular!

FlyteCo Tower is located at 3120 Uinta Street in Denver.

Check out another aviation-related restaurant in Colorado down below.